[Waker]

I just acquired a lightly used Pacific II, balanced, no volume control.  DAC was built in 7/23, used for awhile and then traded to a reputable dealer who has had it sitting for 14 months. I now have it, am waiting for a better-than-included quad of DHT tubes and an AES cable for CD transport. The factory DHT quad had been replaced by a NOS set that I don't want to try--not sure if they are good.  My questions are:  After installing new DHTs,can I power this DAC up as is, or should I try my variac for a more gradual start up.  (Not even sure if the DAC would respond a lower voltage until a certain threshold is met.) 
Another question: When I do power it up, does it need to be under load as in, connected to my preamp, or can I try it without resistance?  I just want to make sure it powers up ok first. 
Last question: I received in the flight case the factory box containing the KR 5U4G and the 6H6P dual triodes that Lampizator supplied, but they are stamped as 6H6U, but that U is actually an upside-down U on tube.  I have read Lampizator only likes the Russian 6H6P, but the tubes I am looking at seem to be an equivalent? Please see photo.  Ok to use? 
I really appreciate the responses I got to previous questions before getting a Lampi DAC, and I hope these new questions are interesting enough for some answers. Thanks much, and I will report on how it all works.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Yes, start it slowly if it has been sitting unused for a while.  There is no harm in doing so, so why not be cautious.

[rpw]

You might want to check What’s Best Forum, plenty of Lampizator users there.

[Jarbs]

Congrats on the PAC 2. 14 months is nothing. Full voltage should be ok. Partial voltage might confuse the digital sections which won’t turn on until a voltage threshold is reached.

The rectifier and anode load tubes provided are fine. Same ones I ran in my Pacific.

The unit can be powered without a load connection.

Which DHT’s were provided? Many flavors possible.

It is possible to run it SE by only using two output tubes (all left side, if I remember correctly)

Are you sure it is a PAC 2? Does the spec sheet or labeling clearly indicate this? They haven’t been available very long, but forget the date of introduction.

Edit: Pacific 2 introduced 5/2023.

[Waker]

Jarbs, just the advice I've been looking for--thanks so much.  I did obtain a factory build sheet corresponding to the serial number, and the DAC has the identifying plate on rear panel: Pacific 2, Balanced, Engine 11.  Will be receiving a set of EML PX4 Mesh, as originally supplied but not included in this sale.  Not sure why EML's were held back by original owner, but the Philips MRO PT8's provided I do not want to risk trying, as I do not know of their condition.  Although 'vintage', I don't see that they are anything special.  I did get the factory KR 5U4G, though.  My dealer also included a Takatsuki TA-274.  Although I have ARC tube gear, I have never had a custom tube DAC and have always heard great reviews on Lampis.  Again, I really appreciate your advice.

[Jarbs]

No problem. I’ve had quite a few Lampi’s from GG1, GG2, Pacific, Horizon, and Baltic 4. The Pac 2 and now Pac 3 intrigue me because of the DHT outputs paired with the higher resolution chip sets. I tried a range of outputs from 300b, 12a, PX4, 45, PX25, and 242. General this list increases from fluffy soft to highly caffeinated. PX25 were my long term favorite. A bit more punch than the PX4. I never strayed from the recommended list, which can cause issues for those who do. I like 300b in my amps, but that magic didn’t carry over to the Pacific for me.

Footers and a high quality power cord are worthwhile. The Shunyata Sigma v2 NR was my best match. The NR versions really help digital equipment.

As mentioned earlier, much has been written on What’s Best Forum.